Christie Chronicles

Inquirer Blogger

State Sen. Barbara Buono (D., Middlesex), the main Democratic challenger against Gov. Christie, suffered a cut to her forehead after a car accident last night in Central Jersey, her campaign said.

An aide was driving and Buono was in the back seat when her vehicle collided with an oncoming car as it was turning on a road in Franklin Township. The incident happened about 8 p.m., according to campaign spokesman David Turner, and neither driver was hurt.

Buono was not wearing a seat belt.

Buono was taken to the hospital as a "precautionary measure," Turner said. She was treated and released, and is back to work this morning, he said.

Here's Turner: “Senator Buono is extremely grateful that no one was seriously injured in the accident, and thanks everyone who has called, emailed, or messaged their thoughts and good wishes.”

The incident calls to mind the crash that nearly killed the last Democratic governor, Jon Corzine. Like Buono, Corzine was not wearing a seat belt. But Corzine ended up in critical condition at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, breaking 15 bones in his chest, left leg and back. He had to temporarily hand over the reigns of government to the then senate president, Richard Codey.

A few moments ago, Buono tweeted this: Thanks for all the well wishes. Grateful everyone’s fine. Don't make same mistake as me: wear a seatbelt no matter where you're sitting. -BB